Freeport council approves Fairgram agreements and clarifies code allowing firms to serve as public works director
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Summary
After objections about oversight and time-and-materials contracting, the Freeport City Council approved a code change allowing a firm to serve as public works director and adopted two Fairgram master services agreements, each passing 7–1.
The Freeport City Council voted to update the city code to permit either an individual or a contracted engineering firm to serve as public works director or city engineer and approved two Fairgram master services agreements for 2026 despite objections from Alderman Sanders about procurement transparency.
Manager Boyer told council the change would align the code with contemporary municipal practice and allow the city to appoint either an individual or a firm to the roles when it provides greater technical depth and operational flexibility. He said staff recommended the change and asked council to suspend the rules to act the same night; the motion to suspend failed on the first roll call but council subsequently considered the ordinance and approved it by a recorded vote of 7–1.
Alderman Sanders pressed staff repeatedly, arguing council had not had sufficient discussion and that contract terms described as time-and-materials lack adequate written detail and oversight. Sanders said, "The service that is being provided has not been broken down to us in, quote, tangible records statement, analysis," and urged the council to table the item or request additional review.
Manager Boyer and Fairgram representatives defended the arrangement. Boyer said the firm "has done an outstanding job" and that continuing with a local firm avoids the cost of a new firm learning the city's infrastructure. A Fairgram representative responded with recent contract figures, stating, "This year's master service contract award was for 350,000. There was an additional service that was added for 100,000 ... currently ... we're at 385,000," and said many fees are allocated across city departments.
Attorney Zito clarified the procedural path for the suspension motion when half the council voted in favor, noting the mayor is authorized to cast a deciding vote in certain situations.
Council approved the Fairgram master services agreement and the Fairgram Public Works master services agreement by 7–1 votes. The ordinances and resolutions do not change any current appointments immediately but allow the city to contract a firm to provide the public works director or city engineer role going forward.
Mayor Miller closed the item and the meeting moved on to other business.